Grass Trees (Xanthorreas) on summit of Mount Remarkable [965 metres (3,165 feet) above sea level]

These plants are not Triodia (a type of spinifex), but are Xanthorreas, commonly known as the Grass Trees.

Thanks for the advice dgobbett. I have corrected the title.

There seems to be a degree of ambiguity in distinguishing between the defining characteristics of spinifex and grass trees -- do you know the name of the plant which is similar in shape to these, but has a long, thin spike projecting from the top?

Hi Andrew,

As it happens I visited Melrose last week and did the walk to Mt Remarkable summit (amongst others) in fog on the way up, and clear sunny skies on the way down. Very pleasant!

The spikes are the flowers of the Xanthorreas. I believe these are triggered by fire (or ethylene gas produced during fire). There was a large fire over Mt Remarkable (in 1988 I think).

I meant to take a photo of Triodia (spinifex) which I also saw a few of on the walk but didn't get around to it. Triodia (spinifex) is far less photogenic, though old plants sometimes form large circles. I've uploaded a photo of Triodia from Gluepot in the mallee.

regards

Hi dgobbett,

That would have been wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed the Mount Remarkable climb when I completed it in December 2007. In fact, on the day that I did it, it was foggy on the way up and clear on the way on down, much the same as your description!

Your statement regarding the Xanthorrea spikes is interesting. I have observed these spiked plants in practically every mountainous region of South Australia I have visited (especially at higher altitude, usually around 500 metres + ASL). Would this mean that all of those regions would have experienced bushfires before?

Regards, Andrew